November 3, 2013

I found these two poems that I wrote almost exactly ten years ago, but never published. As we “Fall Back”, it seems like as good a day as any to share these. Ah, the nostalgia; I must have been in a melancholic state. It seems like a whole life time ago. As my poetry professor used to say, Onward!

Like this:

April 29, 2013

April is National Poetry Writing Month #NaPoWriMo. Here is a poem/diary/memoir I started years ago and edited last year, on the 20th anniversary of Sa-i-Gu. Follow me on Twitter for more poetry, tsismis, and daily updates: @emilylawsin

When I can’t sleep, I write. I wrote this poem in the middle of the night, for John, for Steve, and for everyone trying to make sense of this tragedy. A talented optimist, John would always sign off messages, telling folks to “stay up” and I always liked that better than “hang in there”. Rest in Poetry, Peace, and Power, John Vietnam. Love and prayers to you, your family, and friends always. Thank you for being you.

John Vietnam Nguyen performs at an Asian American Movement Building Conference at the University of MIchigan, March 2011. Photo by Ahmad Fuad Rahmat.

“We are planning to carry out John’s wish to print his t-shirts. We will be figuring out the means to accomplish this and will have information available at the services for anyone who would like to pre-order shirts in their size. Once we get it set up, we will edit this to provide the link here. https://www.facebook.com/events/114861828662904/

“If you are unable to attend the services, you may make a donation to help offset the costs by: 1) Sending a payment to John’s paypal account under his email address, nguyenjvn13 (at) yahoo (dot) com 2) If you don’t have a paypal account – you can donate at the following link: http://www.gofundme.com/14l28s